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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg This time, Europe’s Auto Express – Car of the Year. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=225998)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Ford_Fiesta_ECOnetic2.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 5, 2009

2009 Ford Fiesta ECOnetic -- 63 mpgUS combined on the European NEDC.

Brentwood, England -- The new Ford Fiesta has been selected as the 2009 Car of the Year by Europe’s Auto Express. The Ford Fiesta also won the Best Supermini award and the Ford S-MAX was judged Best MPV. Ford had a total of seven nominations with Ford Ka, Kuga and two Mondeo models commended.

‘‘Expectations of the latest Fiesta couldn’t have been higher – but it hasn’t disappointed,” said David Johns, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express. “The sleek exterior makes many rivals look dated, while the cutting-edge cabin is as distinctive as it is attractive. And that’s before you even consider the Fiesta’s dynamic prowess: the nimble chassis and beautifully weighted controls mark it out as something very special.

“We’ve tested the little Ford more intensely than virtually any other car this year, and it’s never been found wanting. Even base models are a joy to drive. All of our category winners are in the mix when it comes to choosing our overall champion, but the Fiesta was our judges’ unanimous choice – and that speaks volumes.”

Nigel Sharp, managing director, Ford of Britain said: "Seven nominations from such a popular magazine has left us on a high. We knew that the new Fiesta was a great car when it went on sale last year. That said, the endorsement of the motor industry's most independent critics – journalists – is exceptionally rewarding and helps us to keep the new Fiesta in the minds of the UK's car buyers. "

The new Ford Fiesta went on sale in September 2008, and more than 77,000 have been sold in Britain. The new car has won nine awards including an international award for design and impressive accolades as "Best Small Car" from consumer and trade media.

If the award winning 2010 Fiesta arrives with an ECOBoosted 1.6L with 40 + highway and 34 + mpg combined, oh boy :D

I like that car. I could see one of those in my driveway.

Harry

I just drove a Euro spec Fiesta. The FE gauge was registering a very health reading after at least 1 full day's worth of random drivers flogging it on the handling course!!!

(to make matters even more difficult, the car was kept idling while drivers switched between cars)

HI Craig:

___I have been working on Alan for over 4-months to let us take out one of the Euro Spec 1.6L's. Maybe he is waiting until we get the real deal (US spec'ed 2010) and hopefully with a tall geared ECOboost eninge ;)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

My Fit is jealous.

I would expect our version to at least post 28/36.

Still wish we were getting the diesel.

-P

I really like this car. IF I buy a new car in 3 or 4 years, this is top of my list.

If they give it a manual transmission with a tall gear so i can get great mpg on the highway too, I might consider getting one some day to replace the Mirage

I've always liked itty-bitty cars and the Fiesta is on my watch-list for 2012. Hopefully Ford will resist "Americanizing" it with a 2.4 or 3.0L V6 engine, heh heh.

My Fit is jealous.

I would expect our version to at least post 28/36.

Still wish we were getting the diesel.

-P

Ditto on the bolded

I have to admit that I would probably view this as a "stepping stone" ICE car. I suspect that I would have difficulty getting much higher than 100 mpg with this powertrain setup. The good news is that it will launch with a decent (http://www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta/?section=story) engine size - 1.6 liters gasoline ICE. The vehicle is quite comfortable and relatively spacious inside (given the small exterior dimensions). The handling was very crisp and responsive.